This archived website ‘James Ensor. An online museum.’ is temporarily not being updated. Certain functionality (e.g. specific searches in the collection) may no longer be available. News updates about James Ensor will appear on vlaamsekunstcollectie.be. Questions about this website? Please contact us at info@vlaamsekunstcollectie.be.

The Oyster-eater

Dated: 
1882
Dimensions: 
150 cm x 205 cm
Inventory number: 
2073
Medium: 
schilderij
Museum:
Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp
Keyword:

This painting can be considered as a festive homage to the good life. At the end of the 19th Century this work was viewed as immoral. A young city woman sitting comfortably to enjoy the good things in life (oysters and fine wines) was found to be inappropriate. Originally this work was also rejected at a number of exhibitions. More progressive circles, however, saw the value of the painting (Les XX).